AI TRENDS | DeepSeek Launches Web-Based Image Recognition Mode as Early Tests Show Misidentifications

DeepSeek has launched a web-based image recognition mode, while the feature in its app remains in internal testing. According to Jin10, early trials suggest the newly released image recognition mode is still at an initial stage. A reporter repeatedly tested the model using a photo of DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, and after several minutes the model produced multiple incorrect answers before stating it was unsure and did not recommend guessing names. In tests shared by other users, the system reportedly misidentified Liang Wenfeng as Yang Zhilin, founder of Moonshot AI, and as a “younger version” of Tencent founder Pony Ma. Ahead of the feature’s launch, DeepSeek was reported to have finalized a first-round financing of more than 50 billion yuan. The report said a core term in the investment agreement was Liang Wenfeng’s request that investors—whether large companies or venture capital funds—not poach DeepSeek employees or encourage them to leave to start new businesses. The reporter cited a DeepSeek insider as saying the description of those terms was broadly accurate.